Code of Conduct and Discipline Philosophy

Introduction

It is interesting that the words discipline and discipleship come from the same Latin root. Our approach in exercising discipline is to explore each incident that occurs as an opportunity to disciple the student in living out the fruit of the Spirit:

This includes allowing others to learn effectively, and respecting each other’s dignity and property. Principles of restorative justice are applied whenever possible.

Purpose

The home, church, and school are each, in different ways, responsible for the discipleship of the young people with whom each are entrusted. While one of the goals of the school is discipleship, the school’s primary focus is academic learning. Effective academic learning requires a safe, healthy, and positive environment. Each student enrolled in the school is subject to the authority of the Board, the Principal and Staff. The school can legitimately expect students to meet a certain minimum standard of behaviour. Failure to meet such a minimum standard will result in certain consequences. Our student Code of Conduct sets out the expected minimum standard of behaviour and the consequences of failure to meet this standard.

Application

A student shall comply with the code and be subject to the authority and discipline of the school on all school activities including class trips, sporting events, assemblies and events not on school property, including the time of travel to and from school to such an event.

If a student engages in behaviour that would cause a genuine concern for the safety of the rest of the students or be detrimental to a healthy learning environment, the principal shall recommend to the board to deny admission or readmission to the school even if the behaviour took place during times when the Code of Conduct would normally not apply. The procedures for expulsion or suspension shall be the same as if the behaviour had occurred while the student was in the care of the school.

Tobacco, Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

The school seeks to promote the well-being and health of our students. The school also requires its students to abide by the laws of the government. The sale, acquisition, distribution and possession by a student or to a student of tobacco, alcohol or drugs is in most circumstances an illegal activity, and is not permitted. Penalties include probation, suspension and expulsion.

Property Offences

The school seeks to promote respect by our students for the property of other students, the school and the public. A lack of such respect reflects a lack of understanding of Christ’s love which requires us to love our neighbour as ourselves. Offences against the property rights of others are considered criminal activity in Canada. Penalties include probation, suspension and expulsion.

Assaults or other Offences against the Person

The school seeks to promote respect by our students for the personhood of other students, the teachers and members of the public. A lack of such respect reflects disobedience to Christ’s law of love which requires us to love our neighbour as ourselves. Offences against the person are considered criminal activity in Canada. Penalties include probation, suspension and expulsion.

Weapons offences

Weapons are not permitted in the school. This includes anything that the principal judges to be unsafe. If a student needs to bring an artefact that resembles a weapon for a class presentation, permission must be given by the class teacher, and the artefact must be stored in the office except during the time of the presentation. Penalties include probation, suspension and expulsion.

Other Criminal, Federal, Provincial or Municipal By-law Offences

The school requires our students to obey the laws of the land whether Federal, Provincial or Municipal.

Foul Language

The language that we use is often the result of habits developed at home, at work, and in our social environment. There are many words that can be used in an inappropriate way. The language that we use should reflect our love and respect for God and His Creation.

Remaining on School Property

Grade 9 and 10 students are expected to remain on school property during the school day except on school related, staff approved business, or with a parent. Penalties for violation include suspension and expulsion.

Harassment Policy

It is the policy of this school that every student should have a right to participate fully in all aspects of school activities and to do so without fear or threat of intimidation or harassment. To ensure respect for this objective an orderly procedure for complaint and resolution is available to all staff members and students. Harassment is defined as unreasonable, intentional, physical contact; intentional damage (physical or emotional) to a person or his/her property; unwelcome sexual comments or gestures.